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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Well it looks like we have a new fitness option for those who prefer the class format. Mazi Dance Fitness Centre (www.mazidancefitness.com) has opened on the 2nd floor at 719 S. State:

When sisters Marisol and Ziba Sarabia first opened MaZi Dance Fitness in
Wicker Park in 2009, they realized a serious need for an alternative fitness
solution. It turns out they were right, and their new South Loop location is
scheduled to open this month at 719 South State Street. MaZi Dance Fitness
was one of the first “boutique” fitness concepts in Chicago, and although
now there are dozens, Marisol Sarabia says, “Our differentiator from other
boutiques is that we are a one-stop fitness shop for sculpting & cardio. Body
by MaZi, is what keeps our clients coming back! Dance fitness shouldn’t be
intimidating…it should be fun, challenging, and it should leave you feeling
sore in places you never thought you had. We want people to feel and see
results, but we also want them to feel like they’re a part of a community."

CMK Cos. is stepping into the downtown apartment boom with one leg still knee-deep in the condo market.

The Chicago-based developer plans to build 268 apartments on the site of an aborted South Loop condominium project as it continues to chip away at a big pile of unsold condos in its own high-rise a couple blocks south of the Willis Tower.

CMK is joining the herd of developers jumping into the hot downtown apartment market, attracted by rising occupancies and record rents. The question is whether the firm will be among those to secure a construction loan for its project, a $60-million, 25-story tower at 1333 S. Wabash Ave.

The article goes on to also provide an update on two other similar plans that are much further along:

In the South Loop, Chicago-based Golub & Co. plans a long sought 392-unit tower at Ninth and State streets, while Amli Residential, also based here, is getting ready to break ground on a 398-unit apartment complex at Clark and Polk streets.

Finally, we would be remissed if we didn't quickly link to two other projects that were planned for this stretch of South Wabash (granted these were boom time projects). See old renderings below. The first was the infamous Glashaus that was slated for 1327 S. Wabash. Next door would have been 1349 South Wabash, a building designed by See Wong a developer active in Chinatown.

While we're not sure, it sounds like this new proposal would be for both lots?

Plans for a new campus of the British School of Chicago were shown to the public this weekend, and may have gone a long way towards assuaging neighborhood fears.

The thoroughly greenwashed building was well received by a group of South Loop residents who saw the drawings and a presentation by architect Joseph Antunovich of Antunovich Associates at the District One police station. It will be built in the “Phase Three” section of the Roosevelt Collection (150 West Roosevelt Road), which is immediately north of the existing building.

Their post has some great info and is definitely worth a read if you're interested in the topic.

On another note, a friend of the blog was at the meeting and specifically found something else surprising at the event:

I attended the community meeting Saturday morning, so I wanted to provide an update on the British School development, as well as the proposed changes to the park we were presumed to be getting as part of the Roosevelt Collection development.

First, it's important for everyone to know that, at the behest of the city council's Zoning Committee (headed by our new/2015 Alderman, Danny Solis), all zoning changes/requests will be handled by the alderman under the 2015 ward map. Interesting to note that Ald. Solis pushed for these changes, but was NOT at this meeting. His Chief of Staff, Vicente Sanchez (vicente.sanchez@cityofchicago.org), appeared toward the end of the meeting, and we were able to briefly address our concerns with him then. I will also be sending a follow-up email to him, as well as to Aldermen Solis and Fioretti (you know, the guy we actually elected to represent us). I encourage anyone that has concerns about these developments to also voice their concerns through these avenues.

As they stand, these proposals (for the school and parks) represent a departure from the planned development passed in 2007, which required a 96,000 sq ft park to be built. If you remember, this park was proposed to be built at the bottom of stairs current providing foot access to Roosevelt Collection (picture attached). As of right now, the modification for this planned development has been filed by the developer and details are being worked out. The developer said he expected a full City Council vote in the Spring, with the British School aiming for a December 2014 opening.

Personally, I am not as concerned about the school as I am about the park. We were promised, and in fact it was written into law, a 96,000 square foot public park (see attachment for original rendering). Instead, we have been given a private "open space" that advances the interests of the developer, but does little to help connect our neighborhood to this development, as was intended. I'm hoping we can send something around to owners urging them to voice any concerns and that the board will keep us updated on any future community meetings or updates on these projects.

Maybe everyone didn't receive these proposals so well! Seems like there is still a lot of uncertainty around this whole thing. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

I was looking through the coupon mailer today and noticed this section shown on the Chicago Curry House coupon. Maybe this answers what's happening with Acapella at 1301 S Michigan? Anything will be better than that restaurant - I'd be excited to give this a shot. Do you know anything about this?

Well we've be highly entertained by the message board thread "Why is A'Capaella Still Open?" which has been going for some time. Back on January 12th a reader posted a rumor that it was going to be a curry place. Apparently this is true.

We also walked by A'Cappella last night and the place was closed. More telling was that the entire space was going through a demo (like the ground was being torn up among other things).

The good news is that A'Cappella is apparently done. The best news is that this new restaurant is associated with The Curry House (899 S. Plymouth Ct). If you haven't been to this restaurant you're missing out, it's absolutely delicious. The only question about Nepal House is whether or not the owner of A'Cappella is affiliated in some way. The reason we wonder is because there is a hand written sign on the window talking about a new concept. Maybe this is a partnership?

Anyway you cut this, it's a positive development in what has been one of the strangest things we've witnessed in the Sloop. A'Cappella Bistro has perplexed us even before we lived in the Sloop. Needless to say, it may be the end to one of the longest running inside jokes/questions/topics that residents liked to talk about.

Monday, January 28, 2013

There seems to be another new Sloop business open to add to the list: Blink Lash Studio at 1317 S Michigan Ave. Not sure if they're officially open, yet, but when I walked past this morning they appeared to have a customer.

We saw people inside as well, so we're adding it to our business counter. If someone has additional information please let us know. We couldn't find much info on the interwebs.

Not a ton of new news, but for those of you who aren't familiar with these projects they have some good historical info. Here is the quick blurb on the East-West Dorm (Curbed Chicago):

It's been a minute since Curbed has ventured to the South Loop's prominent construction sites, East-West University's new Student Life Center in particular. Back in October 2011, as Roosevelt University's Vertical Dorm rose fast in the Loop, East-West announced their own student center/dorm building. Ground broke last winter, but the 17-story tower at 825 S Wabash has really shot skyward in the past few months. Holabird & Root's eye-catching structure will house 220 students plus an auditorium, gym, food court, and library. Beyond the facade's quirkiness the main interest lies in the labyrinthine atrium/food court.

Last week we posted that signs were up at Umai Japanese Kitchen and Sushi (Northwest corner of Clark and Polk). A reader commented that they heard that the restaurant was going to open on Tuesday (1/22). Well we're not sure if that actually happened, but we can confirm that they are open.

We recently did a drive by and snapped a quick picture of the intimate space and hip decor. It was also encouraging to see it packed. If anyone has been there please let us know your thoughts. We're excited to try it out soon.

Finally, for those who didn't understand our headline all we can say is we can't shake our old school hip-hop roots! Every time we say "Umai" we naturally sing it to the tune of the 1999 Mos Def classic "Umi Says"...don't you?!?!?:

ARTS ON THE MOVE: PianoForte Studios, a piano store that does business in the Fine Arts Building at 408 S. Michigan, has purchased its own building. Represented by real estate broker DTZ, PianoForte bought an 11,000-square-foot, three-story building at 1335 S. Michigan. Property records show the building sold for $1.15 million. The store plans to be in the new space this summer.

While we're not 100% sure about the source, it's a nice development if true. There is still a glut of buildings/space right here and it will be nice to have one of them occupied.

PianoForte's 408 N. Michigan Address

We don't know much about PianoForte Studios, but have noticed them further North on Michigan Avenue (see image on the right). We've even commented how strange it was to have a piano store in such a prime location.

PianoForte Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of the piano in Chicago and creating a vibrant piano community that closely connects audiences and artists. We bring excitement and appreciation for piano music to a wide audience through high-quality concerts, festivals, competitions, education, outreach, and public broadcasts.

As a piano player and general admirer of the instrument (and all things music) it's exciting to have them move into the Sloop. Especially since they will bring life to a stretch that isn't currently very easy on the eye. Hopefully they can change that!

For those of you who would like more information on PianoForte, we found this video on their website from a CBS2:

Ignoring the wishes of many South Loop parents and their alderman, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday that the old Jones College Prep High School building will not be converted to a neighborhood school but instead will double the number of students allowed to test in.

Jones College Prep students are scheduled to move a block south in the fall into a new, $115 million building, according to Chicago Public Schools. Parents in the footprint of the selective enrollment school, 606 S. State, have asked that the existing building be renovated into a school open to any child living in the neighborhood, regardless of academic prowess.

Instead, Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett opted to double the capacity of Jones, they said at the school Tuesday. By 2016, Jones will hold 1,700 high school students from across the city who make the academically competitive cut, with students housed in the current building and the new one. Jones has about 900 students enrolled now.

The bright side is that they're not demolishing the old Jones College Prep building. The dark side is that it really isn't benefiting neighborhood residents. Local residents will still only get 300 seats set aside for them, which many believe won't keep up with the changing demographics of the neighborhood.

Alderman Fioretti and local parents/residents think this will cause middle class families to leave for the burbs. We tend to agree with this theory.

When it opened in 1972, the Ebony/Jet Building was a buttoned-down and conservative addition to south Michigan Avenue; an elegant, modernist rectangle overlooking Grant Park with the same dignity found in the magazines published in the building.

But that was the exterior. Behind pioneering black architect John Moutoussamy's four walls were offices designed with an exuberant, high-style and fearless mix of a color, texture, art, contemporary furnishings and pattern. Created by interior designers William Raiser/Arthur Elrod, the offices embodied an afrocentric modernism that was well-turned, avant garde and quite hip--a perfect match for publisher John H. Johnson's groundbreaking magazines.

Definitely worth a click at least to see the pictures of the interior. If you're interested in the future of the building it's also worth a click. Here is a quick highlight paragraph:

In one of the more notable modernist architectural saves in the country right now, Columbia will restore and convert the Ebony/Jet Building into the John H. & Eunice W. Johnson Center, the first seven floors of which will be a library. The college described the planned new facility as a "nimble, technologically-capable, interactive center comprising visual art, digital books, photography, and other compilations." Columbia's Center for Black Music Research will be housed there also.

While we haven't been over to look inside yet we plan to in the near future.

Has anyone tried out the new spot? We assume it will be a hit with people living South of Roosevelt as options are a little limited. Our only question is whether or not their is parking options for the gym?

If not, it may have a tough time competing with the others that do (XSport and LA Fitness).

Fioretti says he recently learned that CPS has created an internal panel to study the problem, but it doesn't include the alderman or community residents.

Translation: CPS officials are stalling for time while the mayor figures out what to do.

"The boundaries for a new school would go from about 35th on the south to Grand on the north, Ashland on the west, and the lake" on the east, says Fioretti. "We keep saying, 'If you build it, they will come.'"

I predict that if Fioretti and residents apply enough pressure, the mayor will call a press conference to announce he wants to turn Jones into a neighborhood school because it's really important to keep the middle class in Chicago—like it was his idea all along. Sort of like the press conferences he's called to declare his newfound support for gay marriage, gun control, and immigrants' rights. Don't say he's not adaptable.

Which brings us to an anonymous email we got yesterday from a reader (and we're paraphrasing a little):

Alderman Bob Fioretti is hoping to hold a press conference at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting at 530 S. State Street around 6PM. The goal is to have the old Jones High School in the background (with the assumption that the press conference is to talk about the old high school.

Hmmmm, maybe Joravsky's prediction is correct? Or maybe this is Fioretti's attempt to bring a bigger spotlight on the issue? We will see.

Monday, January 21, 2013

It's the time of year when "best" lists seem to pop up (see story on best bars from last week). Well the Chicago Tribune food columnist, Kevin Pang, has given his best of and Acadia was a highlight for him this past year. Here is a link to the story (which includes a video and Acadia mention at 0:31).

So we're not sure if he is saying McCaskey will earn one star again in 2013 or if he is saying he wouldn't be surprised if he earns 2-stars in 2013. Regardless, it's clear he likes what they're doing at Acadia.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

It's been awhile since we've linked to some threads on the message board so thought it was about time. Historic car dealerships, CTA retail, liquor license objections, local schooling and urban gardening are a couple of the things discussed recently:

Friday, January 18, 2013

A single Chicago alderman exercising his traditional right to have final say on decisions in his own ward racked up taxpayer-funded legal costs of more than $800,000 in the past four years, records show.

The tab includes legal fees and settlement payments in two federal lawsuits filed against Ald. Robert Fioretti, 2nd, some of his colleagues and the city, as detailed in court and Law Department records. The suits challenged Fioretti's use of aldermanic privilege to stand in the way of two businesses seeking permits in his ward.

Both businesses — the venerable Congress Plaza Hotel and the now-defunct Felony Franks hot dog stand — got their permits in the end, but only after lengthy delays they attribute to Fioretti's decisions.
The city lost the case focusing on Fioretti's refusal to sign off on a sidewalk cafe permit for the Congress Hotel.

A judge's ruling in that case for the first time acknowledged the tradition and power of aldermanic privilege, which is neither mentioned nor defined in city code.

And the city is in the final stages of settling the case brought by Felony Franks, which centered on Fioretti's refusal to back a sign permit.

Seems like a lot of cash for two relatively minor issues. Obviously we don't know all the details, but a sidewalk permit and an objection to a sign? Seems like $800K could be put to use somewhere better!

The Felony Franks sign issue was blocked by Fioretti because churches in the area opposed the name and "glorifying crime". The Felony Franks concept was to give jobs to ex-cons...something we didn't know and find intriguing. Felony Franks (which was in the near west side) is now closed.

City Tavern The team behind Chicago Firehouse modeled this eight-month-old spot on an 18th-century New England tavern. The roaring fire in the front lounge, a long wooden bar backed by lofty mirrors, and a 14-page roster of drinks would make Sam Adams proud.

Wabash Tap The local hang has somehow resisted the rest of the South Loop’s revamping—it’s still serving beer and Tots for under $6, and the pool sharks at the back tables give a welcoming nod to every visitor.

Longtime South Loop standby Cal's closed New Year's Eve but folks looking for a cheap drink, a jukebox whose selections haven't been changed in years and one last nip to go at last call only need to head a few blocks east to George's Cocktail Lounge. Located across the street from buddy Guy's Legends, this bar is popular with Columbia College students, neighborhood winos with some change to spend and newer South Loop residents looking for a final drink before sunrise and no shame as to where to find it. Pull up a seat next to a bar that's seen better days, enjoy some of the cheapest drinks downtown and waste hours people watching.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

A reader writes about a new restaurant coming to the Northwest corner of Clark and Polk:

Hi Sloopin,

I don't know if this has been reported but a Japanese/sushi restaurant appears to be set to open at any moment on the northwest corner of Clark & Polk. I have attached a picture of the sign posted on the door. The shades remain drawn so it's tough to get a good picture of the establishment.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The attacker is described as black, between the ages of 30 and 33, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8 and weighing between 165 and 185 pounds. The man had black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. He was wearing a black ski cap with red trim and a dark-colored sweater, police said.

We're not cloning the South Loop location. We'll bring certain things over— like the subway tile, I think that's intrinsic to the brand. But the South Loop has this energy, it's a busy, hustling place. It's different here, you've got moms with strollers taking a break, families. This location will have its own identity, its own thing going on.

Based on their post, it sounds like there is some bureaucratic issues that need to be sorted out (SURPRISE!):

The paperwork is just starting to make its way through the bureaucracy, and is expected to have a more complicated tour of City Hall than most buildings. This is because of the redistricting of Chicago’s wards in 2012. It appears that the eastern portion of the building might be in William Burns’ Fourth Ward, while the western portion would be in Danny Solis’ 25th Ward.

The ward boundary doesn’t run down something easy like a street — it has a couple of weird angles in that area, so the school and the developers, McCaffery Roosevelt, have to wait while the city tries to figure out who’s turf is in play. That is important, of course, because of the public meetings. While CDOT and the Chicago Fire Department and other city agencies have been briefed on the school, the public has not.

Also of interest was the plans for the "roof park" which appears to be included to appease residents:

We’ve already heard from some of the neighbors who are angry before they’ve even seen the plan. They believe the school will take the place of a public park they were promised.

Looking at the original documents for the Roosevelt Collection from 2006, the neighbors are right — they were promised a park. In fact, the developer is obligated to spend $2 million building the park. However, in all of the diagrams filed with the city, the park is on the west side of the project, not on the east side. So there may be room for both.

For what it’s worth, the building’s design appears to give the public some green space. The new school will be attached to the Roosevelt Collection structure so that a person can walk directly from the shops onto the roof of the school, which is designed to be a large garden.

I'm sure everyone wants a park (we do)...but making it inline with the retail grade at Roosevelt Collection could be a smart solution. Probably not ideal, but interesting none-the-less.

Finally, a reader sent us a picture of a public notice sign that has been put up to make neighbors aware of this potential change (we assume). They say they're going to have neighborhood meetings to discuss this plan...we will keep you posted as we hear more.

Monday, January 14, 2013

...And we're off an running with the 2013 business counter. Last week it was 7-11 opening. This weeks it was Floyd's 99 Barbershop at 27 E. Harrison. Apparently they are offering 1/2 priced hair cuts in honor of their opening (unless the signs on the window are lying).

We've heard positive things about this place and are looking forward to trying it out. They join another new barbershop, Sports Clips, which just opened in December of 2012 and is just across the street. Competition for hair cuts is getting intense!

On another note, it looks like we may have our first closed business of 2013, Donna's Cafe (1255 S. State). While we aren't sure if they're permanently closed, the sign on their window isn't encouraging:

Donna's Cafe will be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In terms of numbers, we've added 2 businesses and lost 1, which makes it seem like we're heading in the right direction. However, we would rather have one Donna's, then two 7-11's or Floyd's. Hopefully this isn't a permanent thing for Donna's...stay tuned!

So what is Butterfield Kitchen? Well according to their website, they're a catering company. While it doesn't have a ton of information on their site, it appears they have some good looking food (as far as we can tell from their pictures). Of more interest to us, there is also a tab dedicated to "CTA Cafes". It doesn't offer up any additional info, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to connect the dots.

Further, if you look at their Facebook page they have a picture of a build-out at a CTA stop. They also have a post with a business license for 22 East Roosevelt and a caption reading:
And we move closer to debuting our first retail location!

It also sounds like they've announced a similar type of CTA cafe at the Jefferson Park blue line (via nadignewspapers):

Also at the terminal, Butterfield Kitchen is set to open this summer inside the former doughnut shop inside the CTA terminal’s lobby at 4917 N. Milwaukee Ave. Butterfield’s is installing a new kitchen and bakery and will offer sandwiches, salads, scones and prepared meals, which commuters can take home in the evening.

A bankruptcy judge once again has deferred a decision on a disputed hotel development site next to McCormick Place, giving the property's owner until next Wednesday to come up with a feasible plan to pay off its creditors.

Judge Jack Schmetterer on Thursday told lawyers representing developers Pam Gleichman and Karl Norberg that they need to provide more solid evidence that a planned sale of the property just north of the convention hall will happen, allowing the husband-and-wife team to pay off lender CenterPoint Properties Trust, which has been trying to foreclose on the site for nearly four years.

Under a proposed bankruptcy reorganization plan, a venture led by the couple would sell the property in two transactions to developers that would build two hotels there. The site has also been mentioned as a possible location for a new arena for the DePaul University basketball team.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Ok. It may not be the sexiest opening in the neighborhood, but it still puts us in the plus for 2013. A new 7-11 has officially opened at the Southeast corner of State and 8th (next to Lou Malnati's and below XSport).

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

An excited reader recently wrote to us about a neighborhood favorite that closed last year:

Villains bar and grill posted on their Facebook that they will be returning soon, in the South Loop but did not say when/where.

Upon further investigation on their Facebook page it's true! We also had some inside gossip and can confirm that this is true. As it stands now, they're reviewing the lease with the lawyers and hope to have a location announcement soon.

We were able to confirm it's going to be in the South Loop. However, be patient...it's going to be a complete build-out.

Now let's play everyone's favorite game...Guess Where the New Villain's Will Open?
(Hat tip: RGR!)

Monday, January 7, 2013

We've spent plenty of time covering Acadia and are happy to give them their props. However, for us, consistent dinning at Acadia is tough given our lack of monetary resources (sigh). We happily will treat ourselves every once and awhile for a special occasion, but that simply doesn't happen all the time.

If you're in the same boat as us, but still want to experience this fine establishment at a more affordable price point, we have a suggestions...check out the bar menu.

While it's not a huge menu, most of the items won't break the budget and will definitely bring a smile to your face. Better yet, you get to experience Acadia in a more low key environment.

When we went it was a low key Sunday night. Carlos was tending to the bar and was masterfully mixing cocktails. We were pretty confident on what we wanted to eat (see old Sloopin post about Acadia's Lobster Roll), but had a little more uncertainty about the drinks.

We quickly put in an order for the famous Acadia Lobster Roll ($16), the Acadia Burger ($13) and asked some questions about the drink menu. As we experienced last time we were at Acadia, the drinks are well thought out and amazingly concocted The head bartender, Arunas, does a solid job of being creative but not at the expense of providing a tasty drink. Anyway, we opted to start off with the Local Agent (a new seasonal drink on the menu) and the Moscow Mule (a drink that is usually on the menu).

The drinks came first and were beautiful. The Local Agent is a vodka/gin based drink which intrigued us. Carlos gave us some background that this was inspired by the Vesper Martini. Lovely! It was delicate, flavorful and easy to drink. And for those of you asking about the creativity, there was an interesting ice cube made from olives and orange peel (see image to the right). A nice creative and functional touch.

The Moscow Mule was delightful and clearly made from natural ingredients, including Acadia's own ginger beer. Definitely different than any mule you will find at the typical bar.

After some sips on our cocktails, we were pumped for dinner. Not surprisingly, the presentation was top notch. While the Lobster Roll was not huge upon first glance, but it was a solid portion (see image at the top). As a person who doesn't love creamy dishes, I was naturally a little worried about ordering a lobster roll. But this thing was delicious. Chef McCaskey knows lobster, so we knew we wouldn't be disappointed -- we weren't!

I barely had time to breath as I devoured the roll. The seasoning (chives and parpika) were delicious and the lobster was buttery and tender. We were thinking about ordering another, but had to quell that urge.

The burger was solid. Again, not a "man-that's-a-huge-portion", but that was to be expected. This isn't a split your pants type of establishment. Regardless, we were happy with the portion and more importantly the taste. One of us attributed the great taste to the Capretta cheese on the burger..the other thought the onion bacon jam gave it the unique taste. It also came with some potato salad and for those interested, the other saucer in the picture to the left is a spicy 1000 island dressing that we asked for on the side.

But then came the decision...get another round of drinks and some more food? or go home?

Wanting more we decided to stay and go for round 2. We went for an order of Mussels to share ($10), a "Gin / Tonics / Limes" drink, and a glass of Chardonnay that was recommended by Carlos based on our Mussels order. Again everything was good in our book and we left knowing that we would be back soon.

It's definitely a different experience, but a good one. If you're up for a low key experience that will excite your taste buds we suggest trying the bar at Acadia. They don't take reservations, which is probably a good thing for people in the neighborhood like us!

Kudos to Chef McCaskey, Arunas, Carlos and the entire team at Acadia for providing a new way to the Acadia experience. See you soon!

Given that it technically opened in 2012, we're updating our tracker for last year. The net total is now back to +22 for 2012. We have a couple other businesses that we're going to verify and then hopefully we can put this final tracker to bed for the year.

The site where Michael Reese Hospital once stood isn't much to look at, just a 37-acre swath of overgrown land in Bronzeville, behind a shoddy chain-link fence.

Developers are itching to build a casino or perhaps a sports entertainment complex on the city-owned property located in the shadows of downtown near the south lakefront. But residents of this historic African-American community have something grander in mind.

They envision a Barack Obama presidential library.

"This area tells the story of Chess Records, gospel music, blues and jazz, electrified by Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters," said Harold Lucas, president of the Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council in Bronzeville. "When people come to Chicago, that's what they want to see. They want to see the birthplace of Mr. Obama's political career."

Though Obama has not commented publicly about his plans for a library, every president since Herbert Hoover has established an archive in his home state to house papers from his White House tenure. That means the race could come down to Chicago — the city Obama most recently called home — and Honolulu — the city where he was born.

If Chicago is selected, the next hurdle would be to determine where the facility would be built. An Obama library likely would not open before the end of the decade, but already it is a hot commodity because of the prestige and economic vitality it would bring to the community.
Bronzeville would have to join other potential bidders, including the University of Chicago, the University of Hawaii and developers of the old U.S. Steel South Works site on the Southeast Side, all with decidedly more political clout, financial resources and name recognition.

In our opinion it seems like Hyde Park probably has the best chance of landing the Library given Obama's ties to the university and its proximity to his house. Hawaii just doesn't make practical sense in our opinion (it ain't easy to get to).

Just for fun, we've got another high-profile suggestion. What about the McCormick Place Lakeside Center (seen on the far left in the picture above)? It has historical significance since it's where Obama celebrated his 2nd term victory and from what we've heard it's not being fully utilized.

770 South Loop condo units sold from January 1st to December 26th in 2012. That' up 94% over the same period in 2011. A pretty astonishing number. Many factors may have contributed...low interest rates, stabilizing condo associations, low prices for the location and compared to incomes and faster processing of short sales and foreclosures. New development completely halted after 2008. Four years later people are beginning to feel comfortable with pricing and value in the new normal.

The median price in 2012 was about $250,000 for an attached condo.
Same period in 2011, the median price was about $260,000 for an attached condo.

We've always maintained that the South Loop is a desirable neighborhood for many many reasons and with time our real estate conundrum would play itself out for the positive (if you could afford to ride out the short term issues). Given signs of improvement in the economy it's not entirely surprising to see sales up so much in 2012 especially when we're comparing it to 2011. Anyway, the post also goes on to show the number of sales over the last 5 years: